2011 Scion iQ Production Model Debuts at New York Auto Show


Toyota today unveiled the working class version of the Aston Martin Cygnet North American version of its iQ mini that will be marketed under the Scion brand in the United States at the New York Auto Show.

With the exception of the darkened headlamps and tail lamps, and the newly designed front bumper with modified upper and lower grilles, Scion's model is identical to the Toyota iQ sold in other regions of the world including Europe.

With an overall length of only 120.1-inches (more than 30-in. shorter than the Toyota Yaris), width of 66.1-inches and a 78.7-inch wheelbase, the iQ is the smallest model in the Toyota Group's North American lineup.

Available exclusively as a three-door hatchback, the iQ has seating for 3+1 in an asymmetrical configuration with the driver's and front-passenger's seats being slightly off set. The golf-kart's car's rear seats feature a 50/50 split and the ability to fold flat, creating enough space -according to Toyota- to accommodate up to two golf bags.

Like its European twin, the 2011 iQ is offered with a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces over 90 horsepower and is combined with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Toyota said that it expects the iQ to achieve a combined fuel economy in the high 30s (mpg).

According to the Japanese automaker, the iQ will come standard with 10 SRS airbags a six-speaker audio system with USB and auxiliary ports. Active safety features include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Traction Control (TRAC).

The iQ will go on sale in the States in early 2011, with prices to be announced closer to launch.



http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/03/2011-scion-iq-production-model-debuts.html?m=0

GM Shows Off Astra Police Car at HOSDB Exhibition


The recent Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HODSB) show saw General Motors' Vauxhall division displaying its new generation Astra police vehicle that is offered for UK and overseas law enforcement officials.

Dick Ellam, Manager Vehicle Conversions for Vauxhall said: "It was a great honour to be asked to exhibit the new generation Astra at such an influential show, particularly with an organisation as well regarded as ACPO. We were delighted to be able to show our British built Astra to so many of the leaders in today's law enforcement industry."

Along with the latest-generation Astra, GM's European arm also offers a police version of the new Insignia (to be sold as the Buick Regal in the States).


http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/03/gm-shows-off-astra-police-car-at-hosdb.html?m=0

All-New 2011 Kia Optima Sedan Live from New York Show


Our man Phil is making good use of his digital camera at the New York Auto Show sending us 'live' photos of all the new models being presented at the Jacobs Javits Center.

This here is the all-new and very promising 2011 Kia Optima sedan that will go on sale in the U.S. this fall and in Europe next spring. The South Korean automaker's press conference at the NY Show isn't until tomorrow, so we don't have all the details on the mid-size saloon yet.

What we do know is that the Optima is a sister model to the also new Hyundai Sonata so expect to see the range comprising the same four-cylinder gasoline and hybrid powertrains. More photos after the jump.

(Photos: Phil Alex)


http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/03/all-new-2011-kia-optima-sedan-live-from.html?m=0

NY Show: 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Returns 41mpg in the City


Following in the footsteps of its Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan siblings, the Lincoln MKZ will be offered with FoMoCo's new hybrid powertrain that comprises of a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that churn out a combined output of 191HP.

Lincoln's first-ever hybrid model is expected to deliver at least 41mpg (5.7 lt/100km) in the city and reach speeds of up to 47 mph (75 km/h) in pure electric mode.

Ford stresses that both these figures are better than the MKZ Hybrid's closest rival, the Lexus HS 250h, which returns 35mpg in the city and reaches a top speed of 25mph in battery-only mode.

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid will have its world premiere today at the New York Auto Show with sales to follow in the fall.


http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/03/ny-show-2011-lincoln-mkz-hybrid-returns.html?m=0